Snowstorm creates excellent skiing conditions

Increases risk of backcountry avalanches

February 14, 2014

Plenty of new snow has made for excellent skiing and snowshoeing conditions in the backountry. Skiers planning to ski backcountry glades and slides should be aware of the increase risk in avalanche, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

The recent storm left 10 to 16 inches of new denser powder snow on top of the 2 feet or more of less dense snow already on the ground. Due to the winds from the storm expect wind loading on the leeward side of mountain slopes. Strong temperature gradient snows were already present in the snow pack. Be aware of the risk of avalanches.